Kendrick and SCSO Are American Prize Finalists

Earlier today (7/19/13) The American Prize organization announced Dr. Donald Kendrick, founding Director of the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra and Director of Choral Activities at California State University, Sacramento as one of seven finalists in its annual competition in the category of "Conducting -- Choral Division."  At the same time, the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra was named one of twelve finalists in the category of "Choral Performance -- Community."  Both had previously been announced as semi-finalists (see http://sacchoralnews.blogspot.com/2013/05/donald-kendrick-semi-finalist-for.html).

The finalists in these categories were supposed to have been announced "after June 3" and winners "after July 15," so now who knows how long the suspense will be drawn out?

Here is how The American Prize is explained:  "The American Prize is a series of new, non-profit national competitions in the performing arts providing cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States at the professional, college/university, church, community and secondary school levels. Administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Danbury, Connecticut, The American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually. The competitions of The American Prize are open to all U.S. citizens, whether living in this country or abroad, and to others currently living, working and/or studying in the United States of America, its protectorates and territories."

There are 7 categories of competition for conducting and 3 for choral performance (community, college/university and youth/high school).  There are separate competitions for vocalists, pianists, composers, chamber music ensembles, orchestras, bands, musical theater and opera companies, stage directors, and art administrators.

There is more information about The American Prize at their website:  http://theamericanprize.org.  Competition updates are at this link:  http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/.  Other updates are in their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728.

We said it on May 17, and we'll say it again:  good luck, Don and SCSO!